What metrics are best to measure the success of urban waste management policies?

1 Waste generation

One of the most basic metrics to measure the success of urban waste management policies is the amount of waste generated per capita or per unit of economic activity. This metric reflects the consumption patterns and resource efficiency of urban residents and businesses, and can indicate the potential for waste prevention and reduction. A lower waste generation rate implies a lower environmental impact and a lower demand for waste collection and treatment services. However, this metric alone does not capture the quality and composition of waste, nor the environmental benefits of reuse, recycling, or recovery.

2 Waste diversion

Another metric to measure the success of urban waste management policies is the percentage of waste diverted from landfills or incinerators to other forms of treatment, such as composting, anaerobic digestion, recycling, or energy recovery. This metric reflects the adherence to the waste hierarchy principle, which prioritizes the prevention, reuse, and recycling of waste over its disposal. A higher waste diversion rate implies a higher resource recovery and a lower greenhouse gas emission from waste management. However, this metric alone does not capture the environmental impacts of different treatment options, nor the quality and value of the recovered materials or energy.

3 Waste reduction

A third metric to measure the success of urban waste management policies is the amount of waste reduction achieved through prevention, reuse, or recycling initiatives. This metric reflects the implementation of the circular economy concept, which aims to close the material loops and minimize the generation of waste and pollution. A higher waste reduction rate implies a higher resource conservation and a lower reliance on virgin materials and energy. However, this metric alone does not capture the economic and social benefits of waste reduction, nor the barriers and incentives for behavioral change.

4 Waste impact

A fourth metric to measure the success of urban waste management policies is the environmental, social, and economic impact of waste generation and management. This metric reflects the holistic and systemic approach to waste management, which considers the life cycle impacts and trade-offs of different waste management options. A lower waste impact implies a lower environmental footprint and a higher social welfare and economic value from waste management. However, this metric alone does not capture the data availability and quality, nor the methodological and ethical challenges of impact assessment.

5 Waste governance

A fifth metric to measure the success of urban waste management policies is the governance structure and process of waste management, which involves the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of different actors and stakeholders. This metric reflects the institutional and participatory dimension of waste management, which affects the policy design, implementation, and evaluation. A higher waste governance quality implies a higher transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness of waste management. However, this metric alone does not capture the political and cultural factors, nor the conflicts and synergies of interests and values.